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Single Idea 24415

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 5. Democracy / a. Nature of democracy]

Full Idea

Unanimous direct democracy is the ideal which underlies much classical democratic theory. The devices of a majority and representation are introduced to overcome obstacles in the way of unanimity and directness.

Gist of Idea

Democracy ideally wants unanimous directness, with compromises because of obstacles

Source

Robert Paul Wolff (In Defence of Anarchism [1970], 2.2)

A Reaction

Apparent unanimity probably involves a minority quietly giving up, rather than 100% enthusiasm. It is usually a conspiracy when they say 'the people want this'. But any close group must aspire to unanimity.

Book Reference

Wolff,Robert Paul: 'In Defence of Anarchism' [Harper Torchbooks 1976], p.27